Media enriched for bacterial growth (LB Broth)

You: ‘Could a general-purpose medium like LB Broth work? It’s nutrient-rich, right?’

Molecular Dimensions: https://moleculardimensions.com/en/product/MD12-113 

 

Dr. Lee raises an eyebrow with a small smile: ‘Ah, LB Broth is indeed nutrient-rich—but it’s designed for bacteria, not mammalian cells like HeLa. It lacks the specific components mammalian cells need to survive, such as glucose, amino acids, and vitamins in physiological concentrations. If we used LB Broth, the HeLa cells wouldn’t survive.’

 

Dr. Lee: ‘Remember, mammalian cells and bacteria have distinctly different nutrient requirements. Have a look at the table showing the compositions and think carefully about a formulation that is tailored to the needs of mammalian cells and matches the energy demands of a fast-growing cell line.’

 

Table 1: Composition of LB Broth, DMEM, and DMEM-LG (Low-Glucose)

Component

LB Broth

DMEM (High-Glucose)

DMEM-LG (Low-Glucose)

Glucose

Not included

4.5 g/L

1.0 g/L

Amino Acids

Not included

Contains essential and non-essential amino acids (e.g., glutamine, glycine, alanine)

Same as DMEM (High-Glucose)

Vitamins

Not included

Includes essential vitamins (e.g., folic acid, riboflavin, pyridoxine)

Same as DMEM (High-Glucose)

Salts

Sodium chloride (5 g/L)

Balanced salts (e.g., sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium sulfate)

Balanced salts

pH Buffer

None

Sodium bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate

 

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